Polarization (Malus)
This interactive simulator explores Polarization (Malus) in Optics & Light. Two polarizers. Rotate θ, see I = I₁ cos²θ and extinction. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Optics & Light.
Key terms
- polarization
- malus
- optics
- light
Live graphs
How it works
Two linear **polarizers**: the first prepares polarization; the second (**analyzer**) is rotated by **θ**. **Malus’s law** gives **I = I₁ cos²θ**, where **I₁** is the intensity after the first polarizer and **θ** is the angle between their **transmission axes**. At **θ = 90°** you get a dark **extinction** (crossed polarizers).
Key equations
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